For the second time in 15 days, the Alabama Crimson Tide dominated the LSU Tigers, 78-60, to sweep the season series on the hardwood.
Things looked promising early as LSU’s defense was stout in the early minutes, limiting the Crimson Tide’s damage from the outside. However, around the eight-minute mark of the first half, Alabama opened up a 10-point lead on LSU and never looked back.
After going into halftime with a six-point lead, the Tide jumped out to a 17-point lead early in the second half, powered by an 11-2 run in the first four minutes of the half.
LSU could never get the game back under 10 points for the remainder of the evening, leading to another relatively easy Alabama win.
The Tigers struggled offensively in their first game without forward Darius Days. LSU shot only 31 percent from the field and made just four 3-pointers for the game.
LSU’s best offense came from the charity stripe, where it outscored Alabama 16-6.
After breaking the SEC record for 3-pointers made in one game in the meeting 15 days ago, LSU did a good job defending Alabama from beyond the arc. The Crimson Tide shot just six of 24 from 3-point range.
LSU really missed Days on the boards, where Alabama outrebounded the Tigers, 51-35.
The loss drops LSU to 11-6 on the season and 6-4 in SEC play. The Crimson Tide need to get back on a winning streak to qualify for the NCAA Tournament after this disappointing two-week stretch.
The Tigers are back in action on Saturday when No. 22 Florida comes to Baton Rouge.